John Oyegun, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says his party will henceforth be “fully involved” in the choice of federal government appointees to be named by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Oyegun was speaking with ThisDay in response to widespread criticism of Buhari’s latest announcement of six appointees, five of whom are from the north.
Both Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, and Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, have attempted to douse concerns over perceived ethnocentrism in the president’s appointment, saying Buhari would have balanced the ethnic ratio by the time all his appointments are made. Oyegun echoed similar thoughts.
“It is too early and superficial to say the appointments were lopsided; it is too early,” he said.
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“We are just a little over two months into the government. The appointments made so far are personal staff members of the president. And it is his prerogative to make those appointments.
“Even though we were marginally involved in those appointments, the party will henceforth be fully involved in the subsequent appointments; that is where the supremacy of the party will come to bear. Nigerians should exercise a little patience. There will be board appointments, ministerial positions and a lot of others positions.”
The paper also quoted “an APC leader from the south-west who preferred anonymity” as saying that some party leaders had planned to meet with the president early this week to discuss the subsequent appointments and other national issues.
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“We are very mindful of the widespread criticisms the president’s recent appointments has generated. While some of our leaders have tried to rationalise them, many of us are not very comfortable with them,” he reportedly said.
“And we have agreed to meet with Mr. President early next week (this week) to raise some concerns with him. Yes, the president must take some tough decisions right now, but we have a party with huge followers to keep. Many of our members are not happy with unfolding events.”
5 comments
that is acceptance of guilt……
But mr. chairman is guilt not also corruption?
Well, am equally woried with the nature of the apointment’s onesidededness. But am urging others who share similar feelings like mine to realise that if PMB’s appointees will discharge their duties in a constitutionally balanced manner without such resentment and patiality then the isue of national character is worht sacrificing for now! But if in addition to the lobsided nature of the appointments, they went ahead to discharge their dutis with all sort of injustice and lack of transparency then this administration will not last in power! And this will be a threat to the national identity of nigeria.
Chief Oyegun should hold his political statement to himself. He says “Nigerians should exercise patient” knowing well that he that laughs last may not necessarily laugh best. Having said that, Mr president should know that any action he takes sends signal. However, we trust God to help him make best decisions that will yield a better Nigeria for all.
APC na Party? This na association of persons wey wan commot those wey dey chop under Jonathan make them for begin dem wakis! They have no say in PMB’s activities. He simply used them to come to power!
Why are we worrying whether or not Buhari will mend the rot? Will the Leopard ever change its spots? Four years no dey tay pass!